A state trooper who was at the Pittsboro home of a woman when, she said, her estranged husband threatened her with a gun has been fired.
N.C. Crime Control Secretary Reuben Young dismissed Trooper Anthony Scott last month after hearing his appeal on a demotion and reassignment. Neither Young nor the patrol would explain why, saying the information is confidential under the state's personnel law.
Scott was placed on administrative duty Aug. 15, a day after the alleged attack. Jennifer Andrews, a lawyer, told police that her husband, Eric, showed up at her home with a gun and threatened to kill her, Scott and himself after being told she was having an affair with Scott. Eric Andrews, 41, a prominent real estate agent, faces kidnapping and assault charges from the incident.
Patrol officials said that an on-duty trooper was at the home at the time, and was not on official business. Scott patrolled Chatham County and was on duty at the time of the alleged attack. Eric Andrews' brother, Ryan, has said that Eric Andrews saw a Highway Patrol car in the garage when he confronted his wife.
There is no indication in police records that a trooper took action during the confrontation. Scott, a 15-year member of the patrol, could not be reached for comment.
In December, Highway Patrol Commander Randy Glover demoted Scott and reassigned him to the Charlotte office. Glover would not explain the move. A day after The N&O reported the demotion, Scott was again put on administrative duty for what the patrol called a separate matter. The patrol would not provide details, again citing the personnel law.
Personnel law cited
The patrol has had more than two dozen cases of trooper misconduct tied to allegations of sexual misbehavior since 1997. But state officials have been reluctant to release details in those cases, citing the personnel law.
The personnel law keeps private all but basic information regarding state employees, but it allows department heads such as Young the discretion to release nonpublic information when an agency's integrity is in question.
The N&O has repeatedly asked Young to release the information regarding Scott under the integrity exemption. He has declined.
